South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari (16D)
Highlights
- See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and four penguin species.
- Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a moment at his grave.
- Explore the pristine Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac, and foot and immerse yourself in this icy realm with an optional paddling excursion.
Embark on an extraordinary Penguin Safari to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, a unique itinerary offering the opportunity to discover both the sub-Antarctic wonders of remote South Georgia Island and set foot on the legendary seventh continent. As you begin your voyage, capture breathtaking images of majestic albatross and exquisite pintado petrels gracefully soaring around the ship, almost guiding it towards the captivating South Georgia. Pay homage to the renowned explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, as you’re immersed in the rich history of this fabled island, and explore its bustling beaches filled with king penguins and majestic elephant seals.
Antarctica awaits, revealing its awe-inspiring peaks and vast expanses. Venture farther into the Antarctic waters aboard a Zodiac, navigate through ice-filled channels, or embark on a thrilling sea kayak adventure. Experience the rugged beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula firsthand as you head out on exhilarating hikes up glistening glaciers. Cherish enchanting encounters with curious gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, capturing heartwarming moments that will leave a lasting impression. From the mesmerizing landscapes to the captivating wildlife, Antarctica never fails to astonish, surprise, and delight at every turn.
Ships
World Explorer
Ocean Adventurer
Standard Activities
About the South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari (16D)
Embark on an extraordinary Penguin Safari to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, a unique itinerary offering the opportunity to discover both the sub-Antarctic wonders of remote South Georgia Island and set foot on the legendary seventh continent. As you begin your voyage, capture breathtaking images of majestic albatross and exquisite pintado petrels gracefully soaring around the ship, almost guiding it towards the captivating South Georgia. Pay homage to the renowned explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, as you’re immersed in the rich history of this fabled island, and explore its bustling beaches filled with king penguins and majestic elephant seals.
Antarctica awaits, revealing its awe-inspiring peaks and vast expanses. Venture farther into the Antarctic waters aboard a Zodiac, navigate through ice-filled channels, or embark on a thrilling sea kayak adventure. Experience the rugged beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula firsthand as you head out on exhilarating hikes up glistening glaciers. Cherish enchanting encounters with curious gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, capturing heartwarming moments that will leave a lasting impression. From the mesmerizing landscapes to the captivating wildlife, Antarctica never fails to astonish, surprise, and delight at every turn.
Itinerary Day to Day
Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
At Sea
South Georgia
At Sea
Antartic Peninsula
Crossing the Drake Passage
Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Route Map
Save up to 30%
We offer a range of last–minute polar expeditions departing in the 2023-24 austral summer season, with special discounts on select itineraries and ships. Explore breathtaking polar landscapes and observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.
We offer a range of last–minute polar expeditions departing in the 2023-24 austral summer season, with special discounts on select itineraries and ships. Explore breathtaking polar landscapes and observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer valid for new bookings made between July 5, 2023 to September 27, 2023, for Antarctica departures between November 2023 and March 2024.
- — Bookings made after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings.
- — Rates/savings per person.
- — Applies to voyage full fare only; cabins limited.
- — Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promotion at any time.
- — No cash value.
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions.
Is Kaying Experience Necessary?
The Paddle Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
Provided Gear
- Inflatable Super Lynx sit-on-top kayak
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- Thin fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neck warmer
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a dry bag)**
- Waterproof backpack
Tip: It’s a good idea to protect any camera gear in a dry bag. Small waterproof cameras should be attached to your PFD with a string and carabiner.
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
The Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. Guides will attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.
Provided gear
- Sea kayaks (single or double)
- Paddle
- Spray-skirt
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
- Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neck warmer
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a dry bag)
- Waterproof backpack or a dry bag
Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.
Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants
Is SUP Experience Necessary?
Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.
Provided Gear
- Board
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Neoprene Booties
- Waterproof gloves
- PFD – Personal Flotation Device
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Base and mid-layers (drysuits keep you dry, but not warm)
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (optional)
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
- Brimmed hat as well as a warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera (either waterproof or in a waterproof case or drybag)
*Only available on December 28, 2024 – World Explorer
What's Included
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Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
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All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
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All shore landings as per the daily program
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Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
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All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
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Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
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Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
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A photographic journal documenting the expedition
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A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
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A parka to keep
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Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
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All luggage handling aboard the ship
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Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
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One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
What's Excluded
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International airfare
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Passport and applicable visa expenses
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Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
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Meals unless otherwise specified
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Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
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Excess-baggage fees on international flights
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Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
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Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
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Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
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Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
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Additional overnight accommodation
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Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
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Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica